IMF to Publish Handbook on Central Bank Digital Currencies and Their Potential to Improve Payment Systems

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is set to publish a handbook on central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), with initial findings suggesting that a well-designed CBDC could improve payment systems alongside other solutions. The handbook, due after the 2023 annual meetings, will cover a range of frequently asked questions on CBDCs, including policy objectives, legal considerations, cyber resilience and readiness to issue. While the US is not currently supportive of a digital dollar, other major jurisdictions such as the European Union appear more open to CBDCs, with an official at the Bank of Italy suggesting a digital euro could be the answer to stablecoins. The IMF paper advises policymakers to explore CBDCs carefully and systematically, given the complexities and novelty involved.